'For nearly 200 years we have developed high quality products – hosiery for men, women and children - while innovating and inventing. It is thanks to an extensive know-how and a constant research for the most qualitative materials we manage to get a unique product.' Material and featuresThe Doré Doré Evolution Men's Harlequin Reinforced Merino Wool Socks are made from 64% Wool and 36% Nylon.

They are made in Italy, invariably a sign of quality.

Packaging is simple: The socks are held together with a card buckle that provides information on the product and sizing. This is fastened with a cotton stitch that needs to be cut off and removed carefully to avoid damaging the socks.

The fabric is soft, but also feels quite robust and hard-wearing. These are not bulky wool socks.

Toes are reinforced, as is the heel area.

The harlequin styling starts from the ankle area upwards and finishes at the top with a 5cm comfort band. This appears to have been knitted with more stretch and elasticity to keep the socks comfortably in position.

The harlequin pattern is beautifully done and consists of two shades of blue and one black, interspersed with silver white stitching.

ConclusionIt has been a good experience to diversify what we review at Hosiery For Men. We recently featured the Wolford Long Distance Knee-Highs for Men and now have had the opportunity to review these socks from Doré Doré.

I have to confess that I usually don't spend much when I buy socks and am accustomed, like many men in the UK, of buying 5 packs from Marks and Spencer.

I am starting to realise that there is a much wider range of options available, including really high quality socks such as the Doré Doré harlequin style.

One can certainly see the improved features in quality socks, as made by Doré Doré, for example. However, a style like this also definitely adds something to your overall look.

I have worn these socks twice now: once with brown brogues and also with brown books. They looked really great with both.

Saturday, 22 November 2014

Hosiery For Men have featured and reviewed a very wide range of products made by the German brand Comfort4Men. Readers will know that we consider them to be great products, for both their quality and design.

Comfort4Men are specifically designed men's tights that aim to provide a perfect fit and comfort for the male anatomy.

Comfort4Men are known for their constant innovation and development of new products. They have recently launched a new Silver Textiles range, using a special, high-comfort, anatomically-designed male pouch that actually contains silver in the fabric.

The fabric has been carefully developed and has the following qualities:

antimicrobial

fights bacteria and fungi

100% natural, safe and nontoxic

anti-static

heat balancing

protection against electromagnetic radiation (e.g. from a smartphone in the pocket)

Silver is known to have the highest thermal conductivity of all metals; it cools if it gets too hot.

Sunday, 16 November 2014

We were delighted when Wolford, one of the most famous and prestigious hosiery brands in Europe, recently sent us some tights and socks to trial and review.

Wolford used to make tights for men in the early 1990s. Although these have been discontinued, they don't neglect men's hosiery needs and requirements. Wolford tights remain extremely popular with many men, and are available in a wide range of sizes including XL. You can read our recent review of the Wolford Velvet De Luxe 66 Opaque Tights.

Material and featuresThe Wolford Long Distance Knee-Highs are described as 'an innovative product with anatomically optimised pressure for relaxed legs and feet.'

They arrived without any external packaging.The socks are held together with a card label that provides product and sizing information.. I imagine that in stores they would hang directly on display with a plastic hook.

Manufactured in Austria, the knee-highs are made from 61% Cotton, 21% Nylon, 11% Polypropylene and 7% Elastane.

The knee-highs feel quite soft, but the first impression is mainly that these are quite a strong, robust product.

One can see that the knee-high are designed and shaped so that they taper in towards the ankle and foot. This reflects Wolford's description that they are made with 'anatomically tapered pressure reduces swelling of feet and calves during prolonged periods of sitting or standing.'

The fabric has a very attractive ribbed structure. When worn, they look similar to 50 denier ribbed tights.

The top of the knee-highs is made from denser yarn. This is a 6cm wide band, that provides comfortable additional support just below the knee.

Toes are reinforced. You can also see that the sole has been stamped with brand information and sizing. That is a nice touch.

I tested a pair in the 43-44 size. That corresponds to 8.5-9.5 UK shoe size, and 9.5-10.5 USA shoe size.

The knee-highs were surprisingly easy to put on for compression hosiery. Once can feel the compression in the feet and ankle area, but with some gentle and careful movement, the knee-highs can be manoeuvred into position with ease.

The fit was perfect for my show size. The foot part was sized for an exact fit. The remainder of the knee-high stretched comfortably to just below the knee, with no wrinkling or bunching.

These knee-highs were an exceptionally comfortable wear. One can feel the gentle compression which provided a really pleasant sensation.

I wore these to work on a day when I was sitting for a long period, as well making two 60 minute train journeys. The knee-highs were a comfortable wear all day, and I definitely noticed that my legs were less tired. The fabric also seems to be quite breathable, as my feet stayed fresh with no sweat or moisture patches when I took my shoes off.

They can also be purchased online from other Wolford online outlets across the world. Just go to the main Wolford Online Shop and choose your country from the menu at the top of the page.

ConclusionI really enjoyed wearing these Wolford Long Distance Knee-Highs. Apart from being expertly designed and made, as you would expect from Wolford, they do clearly provide benefits to health and wellbeing.

While working at my desk today, writing this review, I decided to try a small experiment: I wore just one knee-high on my right leg, and left the left leg bare and uncovered. Apart from the obvious additional warmth provided, I could definitely feel that the right leg was more energised and comfortable.

I am making a journey to Germany soon, and will definitely be packing these for the flight.If you know a man who travels frequently, or who spends long periods sitting, these knee highs would make a great Christmas stocking filler.

Tights for men are clearly something of a fashion trend in Japan now. We have already brought you news of the Naigai SmooFit men's tights and have already reviewed the Smoofit 80 Denier Men's Tights. Reviews of the rest of the SmooFit range are on the way.

The Tabio 80 Denier Men's Tights are available in three colours; Black, Navy and Charcoal Grey.

Hopefully we can get these reviewed soon. For now, here are some images of this new style.